| Description:
Located 45 minutes east of Hood River on the
Washington side of the Columbia is a rarely visited surf wave on the
lower Klickitat River. This wave is hidden away nine miles above the
sleepy town of Lyle, WA on the Class II section of the Klickitat.
Many people dismiss this wave as a mediocre play spot at best and
not being worth the drive from Hood River, much less from Portland.
However at certain water levels this wave can be good and a lot of
fun. However this wave is often in at the same time that other
better local play spots are in. In addition, this wave on the
Klickitat is located east of the Cascades meaning that during the
Winter when it comes in, temperatures will often be a good bit
colder then spots west of the Cascades.
This is one spot that I have not been able to
get to when it is at an optimal water level. However several people
have told me that I need to come back at around 3,400 cfs.
|
| Eddy Service: There is good eddy
service for this wave. At lower water levels the ferry out the wave
can be shallow and tricky. |
| Water Levels:
2000 - 3800 cfs:
This wave is best between 3400 - 3500 cfs. The wave is a bit fickle
below 2,900 cfs. |
| Gauge: Klickitat River at Pitt |
| Season: Rainy Season and Spring
Run-off, October to June
during or after periods of heavy rain or snowmelt. |
| Difficulty: Beginners on up. This is
a pretty mellow spot on a relatively gentle stretch of river. Anyone
with a roll and a strong ferry should be able to enjoy this wave. |
| Driving Directions: From the town of
Lyle, WA located on Washington Route 14 follow the Klickitat
upstream along Washington Route 142 through the Lyle Gorge until you
reach mile post nine. The wave is located in the vicinity of mile
post nine. |
| Closest Town: Lyle, WA |
| Closest Services: There is a store
and gas station and restaurants 15 minutes away in Lyle, WA. Hood
River is 45 minutes away and The Dalles, OR is 30 minutes away. |
| Other Local Attractions if the play isn't
in: Take advantage of the famous winds of the gorge,
kite boarding or windsurfing. Run the upper section of the Klickitat
River. Mountain Bike on
one of the many fine trails nearby. |
| Closest Camping: Camping at both
developed and undeveloped campsites is available along the Klickitat
River. |
| Local's Tips: Best when at 3,400 cfs. |
| Local Kayak Shops:
Kayak Shed is the shop to hit
in Hood River. |